Samsung to unveil foldable smartphone | Calamatta Cuschieri

US stocks remain unchanged; the market was closed on Monday as it was Labor Day.

Europe’s stock markets finished little changed on Monday, reflecting the lower level of trading as US investors take a break for Labor Day. The Stoxx Europe 600 closed up by less than 0.1 percent at 382.51 after Friday’s 0.8 percent drop, leaving it down 2.4 percent for August. The pan-European gauge is showing a decline of almost 2 percent year-to-date. Germany’s DAX 30 shed 0.1 percent to end at 12,346.41 and UK’s FTSE 100 rose 1 percent to end at 7,504.60, getting a lift from the pound’s tumble.

Samsung set to unveil foldable smartphone

Samsung will announce a foldable smartphone later this year. CEO DJ Koh stated that “it’s time to deliver” on such a device, following surveys conducted by Samsung showed a potential market for the handset. Running through its design, one can use most of its features on a foldable status; when browsing, one might need to unfold it. Samsung is aiming to differentiate its product from any other tablet, giving every device and feature a meaningful message to its customers.

Samsung aims to boost growth in its mobile division, seeing sales fall 20 percent year-on-year during the second quarter of 2018. It is changing its strategy in the mid-tier smartphone market to pack lower-priced devices with new technology. Instead of introducing new technology into its flagship devices, Samsung aims to introduce cutting-edge features to its cheaper models. The South Korean company faces tough competition from Apple and Huawei.

Amazon sets sight on online ad market

Verizon does not sell neither its mobile phones and plans nor its high-speed internet service through Amazon. However, Verizon does advertise on Amazon. On Black Friday last year, a Verizon ad for a Google Pixel phone could be seen across Amazon’s homepage. On Prime Day, an event with special deals for Prime customers, Verizon also ran a number of ads and special offers.

Amazon, already dominating the online retail landscape, is gathering momentum in a new, highly-profitable area: online advertising. It is proving to be a major competitor to Google and Facebook. Amazon’s numerous data and analytics on consumer shopping habits ensure ads appear when customers are likely to be hunting for specific products, and thus can be perceived as suggestions rather than intrusions.

Disclaimer: This article was issued by Lauriann Azzopardi, junior investment advisor at Calamatta Cuschieri. For more information visit, www.cc.com.mt. The information, view and opinions provided in this article are being provided solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be construed as investment advice, advice concerning particular investments or investment decisions, or tax or legal advice. Calamatta Cuschieri Investment Services Ltd has not verified and consequently neither warrants the accuracy nor the veracity of any information, views or opinions appearing on this website.